European motorists typically spend ten days a year in their vehicles, and would prefer to use this time catching up with loved ones, enjoying the scenery or having a nap, according to the poll of 5,000 adults across Europe.

For example, four out of five respondents (80%) said that they plan to relax and enjoy the view when in a self-driving car.

The survey also found that driverless cars may spell the end of the school run for some parents, with one in six (16%) claiming they would be happy to let their children travel to school alone in a self-driving car.

The research found that nearly three-quarters (72%) of driverless car passengers plan to use the extra leisure time to chat on the phone, while almost two-thirds (64%) will use their journey to enjoy a bite to eat.

Self-driving cars will revolutionise the way we live, as well as the way we travel.

— Thomas Lukaszewicz, manager, Automated Driving, Ford of Europe

Other respondents said that they would read books and watch films while an autonomous car takes over the driving duties.

For perhaps obvious reasons, those questioned would prefer to use a driverless car when going out for drinks.

Respondents also favour self-driving vehicles for the daily commute – an activity that people in big cities can find more stressful than their jobs, according to a previous survey by Ford.

And, perhaps reassuringly for an industry that needs to persuade drivers to hand over control of their vehicles, nearly half of those surveyed believe that driverless cars will be safer than traditional cars.

Self-driving cars to ‘revolutionise’ people’s lives

Understanding consumers’ attitudes towards driverless cars is an important focus for those involved in the sector.

Earlier this year, a University of Michigan study found that a third of Americans would be so apprehensive about travelling in a self-driving car, they would continue to watch the road.